Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman Quy said that the event aims to introduce the cultural heritage of the country’s 1,000-year-old capital to both domestic visitors and international friends via its platform and various activities. Additionally, fashion and tourism enterprises will get a chance to exchange experiences and extend their collaboration with both domestic and foreign counterparts.

During the opening ceremony, the Doan Mon Gate (south gate) of the Imperial Citadel became a big stage with performances featuring ao dai from collections by 32 famous designers from across the country, such as Minh Hanh, Lan Huong, La Hang, Trinh Bich Thuy, Nhi Hoang, Minh Minh and Duc Hai, etc.

Professional models, famous artists and even foreign diplomats in Viet Nam also participated in the show, bringing to the audience Viet Nam’s traditional culture as well as innovation of the designers in Vietnamese Ao dai.

Various activities will be held on the sideline of the event, including: a painting contest on Ao Dai for children, a cooking course, a flower arrangement contest and workshops on preserving the Ao dai’s traditional values.

Collection of past and present Ao dai will be displayed at the event, as well as four spaces introducing materials and looms from Van Phuc Silk Village (Ha Noi), Hoi An Silk Village (Quang Nam Province), Mong ethnic group (Ha Giang) and Ta Oi ethnic group in A Luoi District (Thua Thien Hue).

Visitors can also enjoy Ha Noi’s cuisine, cyclo and bicycle parades featuring young women wearing Ao Dai will take place on October 16 from Thang Long Imperial Citadel through Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien Phu, Doc Lap, Hung Vuong, Thanh Nien and Phan Dinh Phung Streets and have their own Ao dai made at the event.

Jointly held by the Ha Noi People’s Committee in and the Viet Nam Women’s Union, the event will run until October 16.